Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Process Of Carbonation And Its Meaning

Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water or an aqueous solution. This process yields the "fizz" to carbonated water and sparkling mineral water, the head to beer, and the cork pop and bubbles to champagne and sparkling wine.

The quality of carbonated beverages including soft drinks, seltzer and beer is affected by the amount of dissolved CO2 (the gas that causes carbonation) and the amount of carbonic acid in the drink.

Carbonation can occur as a result of natural processes: when yeast ferments dissolved sugars sealed in a pressure-tolerant bottle or keg; when underground volcanic carbon dioxide carbonates well water; or when rainwater passes through limestone into a cave and forms a stalactite. Also artificially it can be done through dissolving the carbon dioxide under pressure in the fluid. Sometimes natural carbonation is called conditioning while the term carbonation is reserved for the artificial process.

In many consumer beverages such as soft drinks (well known examples include Coca-Cola, 7 Up, Fanta and Pepsi), carbonation is used to give "bite". Contrary to popular belief, the fizzy taste is caused by dilute carbonic acid inducing a slight burning sensation, and is not caused by the presence of bubbles.It can be shown by taking a fizzy drink in a hyperbaric chamber at an equal pressure as the beverage. This gives much the same taste, but the bubbles are completely absent.

Carbonation is sometimes used for reasons other than consumption for example: to lower the pH (raise the hydrogen ion concentration) of a water solution, and in the cleaning industry (Chem-Dry and Carbonated Solutions both use carbonated cleaning solutions for carpet cleaning)

In homebrewing, overcarbonation can be dangerous; it can result in bottles gushing or even exploding. With malt extract or priming sugar at bottling time to beer that gets its fermentable sugar content totally consumed and leads to carbonation safly. Excess of priming sugar from the level prescribed in a given recipe is not good, also using improper capping methods or inappropriate bottles might turn hazardous. Beer may also be force-carbonated using a keg and special bottling equipment so that the carbonation level can be carefully controlled.

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, and seltzer, is plain water into which carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved, and is the major and defining component of most "soft drinks". The process of dissolving carbon dioxide gas is called carbonation. It results in the formation of carbonic acid (which has the chemical formula H2CO3).

In the past, soda water, also known as club soda, was produced in the home by "charging" a refillable seltzer bottleby filling it with water and then adding carbon dioxide. Club soda may be identical to plain carbonated water or it may contain a small amount of table salt, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, or disodium phosphate, depending on the bottler. To make the taste slightly salty like the home made soda water these additives are added. The process can also occur naturally to produce carbonated mineral water, such as in Mihalkovo in the Bulgarian Rhodopes.

The Pros And Cons Of Soda Water

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, and seltzer, is plain water into which carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved, and is the major and defining component of most "soft drinks". The process of dissolving carbon dioxide gas is called carbonation. It results in the formation of carbonic acid (which has the chemical formula H2CO3).

In the past, soda water, also known as club soda, was produced in the home by "charging" a refillable seltzer bottle by filling it with water and then adding carbon dioxide. Club soda may be similar to plain carbonated water or it may have a few amount of table salt, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, or disodium phosphate, which depends upon the bottler. These additives are included to emulate the slightly salty taste of homemade soda water. The process can also occur naturally to produce carbonated mineral water, such as in Mihalkovo in the Bulgarian Rhodopes.

Sparkling mineral water is a negligible cause of dental erosion. While the dissolution potential of sparkling water is greater than still water, levels remain low: by comparison, soft drinks cause tooth decay at a rate of several hundred times that of regular sparkling water. De-gassing of a sparkling mineral water reduces its dissolution potential, but the total levels are still relatively low, suggesting that carbonation of drinks may not be an important factor per se in causing dental erosion.

Intake of carbonated beverages has not been associated with increased bone fracture risk in observational studies, and the net effect of carbonated beverage constituents on the amount of calcium in the body is negligible, leaving carbonated water as harmless as regular water

Club soda has a higher sodium content. Virtually same thing.


Water that comes from the ground - usually from artesian wells - and passes through layers of minerals containing some form of carbonates may absorb the carbon dioxide gas released by the carbonates. This is the water is which is known as natural sparkling water. If the water also picks up sufficient quantities of various minerals to impart a flavor to the water it becomes sparkling mineral water.

Carbonation can be naturally induced into beverages by fermentation. Fermentation is seen when yeast, either cultivated or wild, is added into a fluid that is rich in dissolved sugar. The yeast converts the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. When the gas is then absorbed by the liquid a carbonated alcoholic beverage is the result. If the fermentation is done in an airtight container, the carbon dioxide gas will saturate the beverage and it will be carbonated. Many carbonated beverages were originally made through this type of naturally induced carbonation including beer, wine and early types of soda.

Now a days the exclusive technique of making soda and numerous commercial beers is by the introduction of carbon dioxide gas under pressure. The first uses of artificially induced carbonation date back over 250 years and were done to improve the drinking quality and preservation of water.

We have many references to carbonated beverages in our country USA. Oftentimes people request a specific product name, like Pepsi, Coke or 7-UP. Sometimes it is more general, like ginger ale or root beer. Then there are regional nicknames which include soda, pop, soft drink, tonic, seltzer, sweetwater, carbonated beverage, sparkling water and fizzwater.

One thing to remember about adding any carbonated liquids to cocktails: generally they are added last. The only exception is if the drink is topped with a float of spirit. Do not shake a mixture with soda; this will cause the beverage to go flat and lose most of its effervescence. If the drink calls for blending you may chose to shake the other ingredients with ice first then combine in serving glass with seltzer and gently stir.

Basically, it's water and carbon dioxide. As explained on above, Sparkling mineral water is a naturally-occurring carbonated water. Thomas Henry produced the first forced carbonated water using an apparatus that utilized a pump to impregnate water with fixed air. In 1794, a jeweler in Geneva made a similar device to produce a highly carbonated artificial mineral water. Jacob Schweppe was his name.

Cocktail did a side-by-side tasting of numerous carbonated beverages. Among the reviewing criteria were: crispness, flavor, clarity and fizz release. We got Perrier a sparkling natural mineral water, kept its fizz for the long time, especially its lime and lemon flavored varieties. Canada Dry and Schweppes Seltzers came in a close second.

For those who find seltzer to be a bit harsh, club soda is a kinder, gentler fizz water. As part of our tasting we found club soda to be much milder and slightly sweeter tasting than standard carbonated water. The main difference is the introduction of potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, which dulls the sharp burn of effervescence.

Club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer and carbonated water have no calories, which make them a dieters alternative for 7-UP, Mellow Yellow, Mountain Dew and tonic water.

Tonic water is a carbonated drink containing water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine. Quinine was added to the tonic water to help cure or prevent malaria. It comes from the bark of the Cinchona tree that grows in the rain forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes. To make tonic water more palatable, it was commonly mixed with gin and lemon or lime.

If you run out of tonic water but still have seltzer, 1/4 lemon, 1/4 lime and 2 tbs. sugar you can make a passable substitute.

How To Gain Weight By Eating

Best Foods NOT To eat

People go to the gym for two main purposes: one, they go to the gym to lose weight and two, some people go to the gym to actually gain weight. If you are trying to gain weight to build up your bulk, you are in a small minority because most people are trying to lose weight not gain it.

If you need to gain weight, your body and system needs a whole new different set of foods to eat.  You need to find the best foods to eat to gain weight. This means that you are required to eat more of the "good stuff" but still, you are not allowed to indulge. Some people have very fast metabolism so chances are, even if they eat a lot, they are unable to gain weight.  This would be the best diet for men. While others cannot stuff themselves with plates full of food.  This would be the best diet for women.

Gaining weight is possible if you know which types of foods you are actually required to eat. These foods are those that are high in calories and carbohydrates but not necessarily unhealthy to eat. Instead of eating a half cup of white rice, you should try to eat at least a whole cup, thrice a day. Instead of eating a slice of bread, two to three slices for breakfast is definitely a better option for you.

To gain weight by eating, you need to eat more and have your body be able to absorb all the extra food. Instead of eating junk food like ice cream, cakes, and candies, you should eat lean proteins and energy bars that are high in healthy calories.

Drinking at least three glasses of full cream milk could also help you gain weight not to mention is a good source of calcium and proteins. You could also start adding oats, fiber and protein rich foods to help add on some weight.

When it comes to fruits, eat more mangoes, bananas and strawberries as these fruits are rich in natural sweeteners that could help you gain weight.

What Is Sodastream And Soda Club?

SodaStream came into being in 1903. It was a carbonation system invented by Giles Gilby that made standard water into fizzy water and was originally sold to the upper classes. Flavours were introduced in the 1920Õs, these included cherry ciderette and sarsaparilla. It enjoyed vast success in the 1970Õs and 80Õs, becoming a big hit in countries such as the UK, Germany and Australia.  

The company underwent numerous changes in ownership, even being part of the Cadbury Schweppes empire at one stage. 1998 saw the company change hands for the final time when purchased by Soda Club, at that time, the biggest supplier of SodaStream to Israel. SodaStream remained the name of the brand after Soda Club made an unsuccessful bid to change the brand from SodaStream to Soda-Club. 

More recently Soda Club sought to change the SodaStream brand. SodaStream was relaunched along with a new machine and many more new flavours, concentrating on being a healthy alternative to fizzy, sugar rich drinks such as Cola and Pepsi, focusing on the health and diet issues that are so prevalent in this day and age.


The SodaStream product is essentially a home carbonation kit, which allows you to change water into sparkling water as well as allowing you to add low calorie flavours such as cola and orange. A large assortment calorie free flavours to flavour sparkling water to great taste is sold at http://allfreightfree.com.

The SodaStream machine works by forcing co2 into a bottle suitable for pressurising that is filled with water. The co2 turns the water into sparkling or carbonated water. The procedure of dissolving the gas carbondioxide in water is known as carbonation. After that the carbonated water can be taken on its own as fizzy water, or added with flavours to make a tasty, healthy treat. Once the co2 canisters have been used up they can be sent back to Soda-Club who recycle the canisters, refilling them with co2 then sending them back out.

As far as the actual health and diet benefits gained from drinking SodaStream, it is claimed that all their flavours are completely sugar free and contain a maximum of 2 calories per 100ml, which is good news for parents concerned about their childrenÕs diet.

The SodaStream machine adds only co2 to the water, meaning it does not have the added sugar that some bottled sparkling water contains, so there is little difference between it and normal water.

SodaStream have made much of their environmental and health credentials, even going so far as to say that Ôevery one litre bottle of SodaStream made saves three aluminum cans.Õ Which in turn means that Ôover 3 years, a family of four could slash their soft-drink-related packaging usage by over 90%.Õ This is quite a claim, one that in this environmentally conscious age will stand them in good stead. Sodastream has developed into a truly realistic alternative to the big players in the soft drink world.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

How To Gain Weight By Eating

Best Foods NOT To eat

People go to the gym for two main purposes: one, they go to the gym to lose weight and two, some people go to the gym to actually gain weight. If you are trying to gain weight to build up your bulk, you are in a small minority because most people are trying to lose weight not gain it.

If you want to gain weight, your body needs new healthier and heavier and calorie dense foods to eat.  You need to find the best foods to eat to gain weight. This means that you are required to eat more of the "good stuff" but still, you are not allowed to indulge. Some people have very fast metabolism so chances are, even if they eat a lot, they are unable to gain weight.  This would be the best diet for men. While others cannot stuff themselves with plates full of food.  This would be the best diet for women.

Gaining weight is possible if you know which types of foods you are actually required to eat. These foods are those that are high in calories and carbohydrates but not necessarily unhealthy to eat. Instead of eating a half cup of white rice, you should try to eat at least a whole cup, thrice a day. Instead of eating bread, eat a 2-4 egg omellete with some ham, peppers, and a little bit of cheese for breakfast.

In order for you to actually gain weight, you need to be able to adjust your food intake and serving. Instead of eating junk food like ice cream, cakes, and candies, you should eat lean proteins and energy bars that are high in healthy calories.

Drinking 3 glasses of full cream milk will give you plenty of healthy calories to help you gain weight. You could also start adding oats, fiber and protein rich foods to help add on some weight.

When it comes to fruits, eat more mangoes, bananas and strawberries as these fruits are rich in natural sweeteners that could help you gain weight.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Have You Found Yourself Asking "Why do I Crave Sugar?"

If you're wondering why you crave sugar, the answer to that question is simple, it's because the look, smell and taste of it gives you pleasure.

So many sugary confections taste delicious and look even more scrumptious.

So many people identify their favorite colors, textures, flavors, and temperatures based off of sugary sweets. Sugar gives you a mood boost that makes eating it more pleasurable. The brain finds sugar to be useful for quickly boosting the energy hence it provides signals of pleasure in lieu of providing sugar to the body. The brain in its way recognizes the energy value of sugar, and so, as a reward to the body's owner for ingesting the substance, lavishes chemical agents of pleasure upon itself. It isn't that surprising that sugar is one of the most craved foods. You may be getting mixed signals from your brain. You may be asking yourself "why do I crave sugar" and your brain that needs sugar to get a quick energy boost is asking "why not" ?

Pretty much everyone loves sugar.

Most of the celebrations have their own sweet treats which have an association with that time of the year. There is an abundance of photos, research, and written text pertaining to foods that contain sugar. Ads for sugary foods are all around us-  on the internet, in TV commercials, and on billboards. You don't have to go to your nearby corner store in order to get your fix of candy and chocolate. Did you know that stores near you such as movie rental stores, grocery stores, department stores, hardware stores and many more also have confections for sale?

Of course, sugar cravings don't have to sabotage a good diet plan. Many good diet product are available online to help you plan a successful diet, such as the popular and successful FatLoss4Idiots plan. See the Diet Handbook for diet plan reviews.

Vitamin B Deficiencies

Vitamin B depletion can be caused by eating too much sugar.
If you are deficient in Vitamin B, you tend to lack energy which brings on cravings for anything containing lots of sugar that will boost your energy level quickly. A circular pattern  in your behavior can be created by the two factors towards foods which are rich in sugar. Because naturally nutritious foods that haven't been processed provide your body with longer lasting energy, you won't need to get a quick boost from sugary foods. If you're not sure why you crave sugar then a good diet and a reasonable supplement regime can help.

Health Issues

A craving for sugary foods can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions.  Visit your doctor if you notice that you've developed a craving for sugar. A doctor can help rule out any condition that might be causing your sugar craving. This is really important if you realize that your sugar cravings came out of nowhere. Resistance of insulin which is known as Intolerance to carbohydrates,deficiency in nutrition and other medical conditions are the causes for sugar.

Coping with Stress

Too many times sugary treats can become a comfort food. Eating sweets or "comfort foods" when upset can be a double edged sword. For example, a person having problems coping with a troubled relationship may eat a bowl or two of ice cream after which they feel guilty for eating it. They may assuage their guilt by eating more ice cream and then get depressed about the whole situation. This can devolve into a vicious cycle of denying stress issues, gorging, and putting on weight. Making things worse, the more sweets you eat, the more you want.

Leaving yourself open to boredom, combined with the availability of sugary foods, can often cause you to crave sugar.

If it's freely available to you, you might eat a piece of delicious cake or a sugary soda because it tastes good. Make sure you know why you're grabbing that candy or other sugary food.

Once you know why you crave sugar you can start dealing with those cravings reasonably.

Monday, January 26, 2009

The Dash Diet

A fabulous diet created by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to control hypertension is the DASH diet.  DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Red meats, sugars, sodium and other sweets are out in this diet, while whole grains, nuts, fish and poultry are in. Read on for more information about the DASH diet.

Many studies contributed to the creation of the DASH diet|The DASH diet is the result of hundreds of nutritional studies. The diet not only describes good foods, it lists delicious alternatives for junk foods. This is important because when dieting many people miss the junk foods that they normally eat. Substituting something else for them that satisfies the body, helps avoid cheating and creates the possibility of maintaining a diet in the long-term. The diet also emphasizes fresh as opposed to processed foods – fresh foods often taste better.

There's even a guide book published for the diet called Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH.  This guide shows the nutrition facts of many foods and shows their healthy alternatives. It also explains in details the meal plans of the DASH diet along with nutritional information for those plans. The guide is complete with a list of resources to help people stick to the diet.

The website Yahoo contains a detailed information page about the DASH diet.  This information page includes links to most major sources on the diet including a Wikipedia entry, a Google blog search, videos that show the progress of people who tried the diet, and many others.

One reason the DASH diet discourages the consumption of processed foods is that they contain 75% of the sodium in our diet. Because sodium causes hypertension, cutting it from the diet will reduce the risks.

Many people think the DASH diet is a fad diet, but it isn't. It is endorsed by health organizations and experts around the world.  It's for anyone fighting high blood pressure or who want to eat a healthy diet in general.  Why wait for high blood pressure to start eating right, avoid it now see using the DASH diet.

Acne Treatment For Acne Vulgaris
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The Most Effective Stress Relief Programs
There is a better way to reduce stress in your life than to pop some advil and hope that your headache goes away. Firstly, advil will only help for a few hours, and using it often can reduce its effectiveness. However, such a tactic will only serve to cover up the symptoms, and you won't really be solving the problem. When you continue to use those pills, the problems causing your stress might actually get worse while your solution of choice gets weaker and weaker over time. Eventually, it won't be enough, and then you'll have a really tough adjustment.  Find more information on
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